Atorvastatin Calcium and Poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone) Core-Shell Nanofiber Covered Stent Separating Aneurysm and Promoting Endothelialization

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by intracranial aneurysm is one of the common cerebrovascular diseases can lead to hemorrhagic stroke, brain damage and death. To prevent thrombosis, rapid endothelialization of the lumen of stent is the most critical approaches. In this study, we explored a controlled release covered stent with core-shell nanofibers via emulsion electrospinning for treating aneurysms. By encapsulating atorvastatin calcium (Atv) within the core of poly (L-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) nanofibers, the release period of Atv was effectively extended. The morphology and inner-structure of the core-shell nanofibers were respectively observed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The release of atorvastatin calcium from the nanofiber lasted for more than 10 weeks without serious initial burst release. The nanofiber films could keep complete morphology after degraded for 3 months. The study demonstrated that atorvastatin calcium promoted the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) in HUVECs and further the proliferation of HUVECs in vitro. Animal studies showed that PLCL-Atv covered stent could separate the aneurysm dome from the blood circulation and obliterate aneurysm. Moreover, the release of Atv could promote the proliferation of HUVECs on nanofiber films and induction of rapid endothelialization.